The Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources (RTCAR) initiative is a grantmaking program whose purpose is to assist the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) as the tribe works to restore the traditional Cherokee balance between maintaining and using natural resources like river cane, white oak and clay. RTCAR has been undertaken to teach, protect and promote Cherokee traditional art, resources and land care for present and future generations.

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ᎢᏯ ih ya: EBCI Youth River Cane Project is meant to teach, protect and promote Cherokee traditional art, resources and land care for present and future generations. For more information on upcoming harvest dates, processing workshops, and traditional basket-weaving learning opportunities, contact us, or sign up to volunteer

The Center for Native Health’s Art, Language & Healing Program Area is continuing to support the ᎠᏏᎾᏏ ᏃᎴ ᎠᏙᎴᏆᏍᎩ “asinasi nole adolegwasgi” Cherokee Potters Master Apprentice Program, including a partnership with UNC Asheville’s Art Department and their ceramacists. Past work focused on kiln design and traditional artisan methodology. Current work centers on the creation of a community kiln in the Birdtown Community on the Qualla Boundary. Future work will center on traditional technique workshops, classes, community firing, exhibition, and sales events for artisans’ economic opportunities

The Center for Native Health’s Art, Language & Health Program Area has recently begun working directly with local foragers and artisans to create community events surrounding the harvest and processing of white oak for traditional art and craft